§ 27. Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales what studies he has made of the areas in western Scotland which have recently been designated as special development areas.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMy Department, as part of its duties in relation to economic policy, keeps me informed of the general situation in other parts of the United Kingdom, including Scotland.
§ Mr. MorganDoes not the Secretary of State suffer from feelings of embarrassment and shame because some 2 million people living in Western Scotland have been given substantial benefits by way of extended development areas although the conditions of those areas are exactly comparable with those in Wales? Can he hold out any hope that the Government will give something to Wales to make up for the investment grants which were taken away and had such disastrous results nine months ago?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasAccount was taken of the numbers unemployed as well as the rates and character of unemployment. Frankly, I thought that the areas in Scotland had a very special case to be made special development areas.